Purging

 The term comes to mind when meditating on Isaiah, chapter 5.  It is evident that judgment will occur because of the sins of the people.  The chapter starts out very lovingly, "Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard...in a very fruitful hill:..." (5.1) Then, verse 5 turns "sideways." "I will take away the hedge thereof and it shall be eaten...break down the wall...it shall be trodden down."  Why?

Verse 20 notes that it is because God's people, "Israel," "Call evil good, and good evil..." They are "wise in their own eyes and drink "strong drink."  It seems another world is watching this change also.  "Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure...and (they) shall descend into it." (5.14)  You better believe, "the devils believe and tremble." (Jms 2.19)

Yet, because of the Father's great love for His own, "his hand is stretched out still." (5.25)  The Lord never leaves His people in sin.  Judgment and purging must take place.  Verse 24 explains how all will be burned and consumed with fire.  This is God's way.

Much has been preached, taught and said on the subject of "purging." It is the Lord's way of separating the "wheat from the chaff."  Purifying the gold by "burning off the dross" that hides the gold. (Mt. 3.12, Mal 3.3)  This purging in Isaiah 5 is for the good of those the Lord calls His own.

Webster's 1828 defines purging this way; to cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure.  To clear from guilt or moral defilement.  The Psalmist said He would "purge" away our sins, for thy (His) Name's sake. (Ps 79.9)  The psalmist asked to be "purged with hyssop (so he could be) clean." (Ps 51.7)

My dear, fellow believer, be assured that the Lord applies the principle to His Jew and Gentile bride.  While santification is setting apart, there is no need to "set apart" unless one has been "purged."  So, when fiery trials (I Pet 4.12) come your way, know that your are being "purged."  And remember, it is grace in action because "His hand is stretched out still." (5.25)

God bless you and keep you. Amen